Longtime readers of this site know that we love dogs as much as the next group of Internet nerds, and in many ways the Westminster Kennel Club’s Dog Show is like our Super Bowl. But this year’s show, the 138th of its kind, has really struck a chord with a new audience, because mixed breed dogs were allowed to compete for the first time ever, and proud mutt dads like myself finally got to daydream that it was our beloved pooches winning the Agility Trials.

Tonight’s coverage of the second day of the 138th Westminster Dog Show is still airing on USA, and the big winner has yet to be named. That matters little to me, though, because I would make the worst dog show judge on the face of the planet. Ultimately, I’d want to roll around and give delicious cookie treats to all of the doggies in the middle of the arena, so I could throw my arms in the air and declare all of them the winner.

So instead of waiting for the actual Best in Show winner, I’m just going to go ahead and rank 25 of the dogs based on the adorable photos that have been taken since the festivities began last weekend. I’m scientific and fair if anything.

Side note: Before you dive into my meaningful photo essay on the elegance and cultural importance of the Westminster Dog Show, I’d like to reiterate how awesome it is that the mixed breeds are involved now. For example, Millie in the banner image is a rescue dog, as is Emma, who was the subject of a story in the Globe and Mail, and I urge you to go read it now. It will melt your heart, and if you, like me, adopted a dog from a near-death situation, I guarantee you’ll hug it harder than ever.